Kawasaki W800 2011 review

Cycle Torque's video review of the Kawasaki W800, 2011 model. This classic, vintage styled, motorcycle offers the reliability and convenience of a modern machine with all the nostalgia any bike nut would want.

[@laipaianful]

I also like this vintage styled motorcycle. I bought last month kawasaki w800se red/black. I enjoying it now.

[@TheMickvee]

Mine was delivered this morning! It is a 2015 model and is a beautiful metallic dark blue. I am hoping for some fine weather this Easter weekend so that I can put some miles on it. It is gorgeous! I cannot understand why anyone would buy a Bonnie over one of these. From an engineering viewpoint, the Kawasaki wins hands down. The paint and chrome are also in a different league.

[@JoeJoog]

TheMickvee Nice how did it go?

[@TheMickvee]

Joe Joog We had a glorious Easter! I put 400 enjoyable miles on it. Loosening up nicely. This bike is a dream. I am loving it!

[@knightrider1008]

TheMickvee Hi, Very interested in your comment that you just took delivery of a 2015 model in a beautiful metallic blue. Do you live in Australia? If so where did you buy your bike from? I thought you could only get the blacked out version in Australia in 2015.

[@TheMickvee]

Baz L Hi! I am in the UK, and my bike is a left over 2014 model. I much preter it to the 2015 models! All the best, Mick.

[@frenchenstein]

Some folk have remarked that the rear drum brake is almost pointless. I entirely disagree; my thoughts are that the shoes do take a while to "bed-in". I too was initially disappointed with the rear brake but after a determined period of trying to balance my braking efforts for better straight line line braking I have found that it works very well, in tandem with the front disc, and on its own. In conclusion: persevere with the rear drum brake, it will pay dividends. I've had my 2011 W800 for 18 months now, having bought it with 14k miles on it with a below average rear brake, but now with bedded in linings I have maximum stopping power from both items. Stay safe😊

[@TRUFFLEHOUNDEXPRESS]

Interesting. I bought a W650 new in 1999 .I;ve still got it. It is incredibly reliable with just one front brake micro switch and the mainstand repalced in 13 years. They are known for their reliability. Ridden all year round and apart from a little corrosion on the crank case, it still looks like new. I now also have a new Bonneville SE (boughr 3 months ago). It's a fantasic bike to ride and hopefully will prove reliable.. Decided to go Triumph (rather than W800) based on road tests.

[@Brisailer]

Yeah I had a W650 too - carburetors, kick start and bullet proof. I think its gearing was better too. My main issue with reviews of the W800 is the reviewers get lost in the nostalgia and don't really review properly (and its the plastic bits they didn't find when reviewing that are giving me grief). It's still got lots of good points which I can hopefully enjoy once it settles down.

[@savagemako17]

Far sexier looking engine than anything Triumph's made in years. Kawasaki needs to make a Thruxon style cafe racer out of this bike as an option. Please !!!!!

[@HommeIsKing]

Definately a great bike and a fierce competitor to the new Bonnies.......With speed cams all over the place these days its just not worth having a big supersport bike anymore.....The good old days are OVER!

[@JohnDT60]

To right mate

[@StrangelyBrownNo1]

@kostisgreece I liked it. Relaxed, natural style of talking.

[@44357514]

Not available in the USA? All these reviews show them riding on the left side of the road - so I am guessing it is not in the USA.

[@thereve]

..designed to have the timeless appeal of a vintage machine with the modern convenience of....not breaking... lol

[@chippyjohn1]

hey cycloe torque, how tall is the person riding the bike in this video

[@jboy2621]

It used to be meguro motorcycle before Kawasaki and they paid to license AJS to build it in the 50s

[@kennethjohnson5856]

Not AJS, the licence agreement Meguro took out was for the BSA 500cc A7 engine

[@HotrodsMotorcycling]

Wish they would bring it to the U.S.

[@patrickhille3731]

Now you have it

[@SupaNautica]

I seen a couple of custom W800's at the Sydney Motorcycle and Scooter Show, damn they look hot customised. Check them out: 2014 Kawasaki W800 at Sydney Motorcycle and Scooter Show

[@StewartGartland]

I like the overall look of the bike, although it looks a little small? I like the chrome mudguards, wish they'd done that with the Bonnies. But I do not like the rear drum brake, that's retro for all the wrong reasons.

[@puss1rat090]

i totally agree about the mudguards,Triumph also need to make detail changes,like painting the fork sliders silver,like the kwack.

[@ottoblack6895]

love the looks, probably great to ride, just a pity the sound of these new machines cant capture the great feel of the older 650s and 750s which stamped their authority on you the instant you started them up.... anyone not knowing what i mean, look up bsa thunderbolts sounds on youtube, .. its the only thing preventing me from buying one...might as well have a 4 cylindr....

[@johnfugu83]

so, how much is it in rm?

[@RonnieTheFish]

Love the bike its wonderful

[@AnnoyingName999]

The Kawasaki W1 was built in 1967. Is that not a "name" or "history" enough for you? Your headlight probably melted because you stuck some ridiculous wattage bulb in it.

[@RadoDani]

Love it.

[@HoschtonBoy]

Sweet bike!!

[@matthewcaughey5273]

Now offer it in the United States I was looking at a yamaha sr-400 but if this comes aval then its a no brainer I would take the w800 over the sr hey Kawasaki are you listening

[@TroyaE117]

Never liked the "W" on the tank. I want to see "Kawasaki" on there. Otherwise it looks a good 'un.

[@MrAlfasul]

nice bike but the kneepads on the tank are ughly as hell

[@44910661]

u.k still england.. bsa and trıumph desing

[@NavisV]

that'w why everyone have 250cc at the most bikes there

[@benthomas6741]

sounds like a purring kitten..wtf

[@wattanapolice]

I want to be. Do not know how much.

[@octhay]

in Turkiye 10.000 Euro :) nearly same ,and agree you ; shit!!

[@ValdemarZemelka]

WTF =( In Russia only 12k USD

[@Brisailer]

This is nonsense. Reviewers carry on about build quality - the headlight is plastic and mine melted! I bought the expecting quality and its had 3 warranty claims in 3 months and no end to problems in sight. The dealers are basically dishonest and its fight all the way to get things fixed. Tried complaining to Kawasaki and got nowhere. The W800 is just rubbish and the reviewers who rave about it's build quality just make fools of themselves and us. Buy the Bonneville at least you get the name.

[@telabib]

I really like my w800, it's really nice to ride. Over the years i'v owned many bikes, but this is one of the best one's.

[@volt8684]

Ur opinion seems to be on its own

[@jeeves6490]

Mines now 13 years old, still runs like a top, chromes all good, it has a few battlescars after a mishap or two, but still sweet as a nut.

[@kostisgreece]

Bad enunciation. Speak clearly !

[@jeeves6490]

He speaks perfect Australian, mate. We keep our mouth shut when we talk, otherwise the flies get in.